‘Constitution In One Hand, Surrounded By Urban Naxals On Other’: Fadnavis Trains Guns On Rahul Gandhi

Last Updated:November 06, 2024, 16:09 IST

Traditionally, the Indian Constitution is associated with a blue cover, and Fadnavis argued that Gandhi’s choice of red aligns more with Left-extremist ideologies than with democratic values

Devendra Fadnavis also criticised Rahul Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, a campaign that was initially perceived as a movement for unity. (PTI)

Maharashtra’s deputy chief minister Devendra Fadnavis, in a recent interview to a leading English daily, launched a strong attack on Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, accusing him of aligning with radical ideologies and anarchist forces.

As Maharashtra prepares for its upcoming assembly elections, Fadnavis’ remarks have sparked a new controversy, painting a picture of Gandhi as a leader who, in Fadnavis’ words, appears to hold the “holy Constitution in one hand, while supporting anarchy with the other".

One of Fadnavis’ key criticisms is Gandhi’s use of a red-covered copy of the Constitution, which he claims symbolises disorder and chaos. Traditionally, the Indian Constitution is associated with a blue cover, and Fadnavis argued that Gandhi’s choice of red aligns more with Left-extremist ideologies than with democratic values.

“Rahul holds the Constitution in one hand and promotes anarchy through his deeds," Fadnavis said, suggesting that Gandhi’s choice is not just a trivial design change but an indication of his ideological shift. According to Fadnavis, Gandhi is increasingly influenced by “Urban Naxals" and “anarchists" who, he claims, are steering Congress towards radical agendas.

Fadnavis also criticised Gandhi’s Bharat Jodo Yatra, a campaign that was initially perceived as a movement for unity.

“When Bharat Jodo was kick-started, we thought it was a good theme — at least Bharat is on their agenda," he said. However, Fadnavis alleged that many of the organisations involved in the yatra were subversive groups with anti-national views. According to Fadnavis, over 180 such groups took part in the yatra, raising doubts about its intentions. He argued that these affiliations overshadow Gandhi’s message of unity, presenting him as a leader whose actions and associations seem more divisive than cohesive.

The controversy has only deepened with the reported ban on media coverage at Gandhi’s upcoming ‘Constitution Honor Convention’ in Nagpur. Fadnavis questioned why the press was being barred from an event dedicated to honouring the Constitution, suggesting that this move contradicts Gandhi’s public support for democratic values.

“They talk of saving democracy, but they keep the fourth pillar of democracy, the media, out of the meeting on the Constitution," Fadnavis pointed out, adding that this action reveals a “slipping mask" in Gandhi’s democratic rhetoric. He argued that Congress’ commitment to democracy appears shallow, as their actions seem to limit transparency rather than promote it.

In contrast, Fadnavis outlined his own connections with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), especially following BJP’s losses in the recent Lok Sabha elections. He clarified that while the RSS does not officially support any political party, he regularly seeks guidance from its leaders to counter what he calls the “anarchist forces" within Congress.

Fadnavis stressed that BJP’s current challenge is not simply against Congress but against anti-national elements that he believes have infiltrated the party. He emphasised that the Sangh Parivar and its affiliates are helping the BJP push back against this narrative, playing a vital role in the party’s electoral strategy for Maharashtra.

Fadnavis’ statements underscore the ideological divide between BJP and Congress, with both parties striving to portray themselves as true defenders of India’s democratic values. While Congress projects itself as the protector of constitutional rights, Fadnavis accused it of hypocrisy, claiming that Gandhi’s actions contradict the party’s stated principles. As Maharashtra’s elections approach, this ideological clash could shape public opinion and influence the state’s political future, making the outcome of these debates pivotal in determining the direction of Maharashtra’s governance.

News elections ‘Constitution In One Hand, Surrounded By Urban Naxals On Other’: Fadnavis Trains Guns On Rahul Gandhi